Know Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny invisible insects about 1/100th of an inch, and the nymphs are much smaller. Dust mites live for 2 to 4 months, with females laying 40 to 80 eggs. They feed primarily on dead skin cells from humans and pet dander. One person sheds about 0.2 ounces of dead skin a week, providing dust mites ample food.
Dust mites love a warm and moist environment. This is why, you can often find them numbering in millions in old mattresses! They may also live in pillows, stuffed toys, upholstered furniture and carpets. In fact, dust mites and their droppings can comprise 10% of the weight of a 2-year old pillow.
Is There Danger?
Dust mites are not dangerous per se. They are not predators and they don’t bite humans, nor are they carriers of diseases. However, they may incite an asthma attack in those with asthma and may also affect those who develop an allergy to the digestive protein found in their feces and cast skin. In fact, people who don’t have any history of any previous allergy may develop an allergy due to the common allergen levels of dust mites and their feces in our homes. One dust mite can create 20 droppings in one day! In addition, when seasonal allergies hit, dust mite allergens heighten allergy symptoms.
Aside from allergic reactions, dust mites can also cause nasal polyps. These are grape or balloon-like inflammations inside the nasal cavity brought about by inhaling dander, dust mite droppings, dust, and dirt.
How to Detect Dust Mite Allergy
Symptoms of dust mite allergies include watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, cough, postnasal drip, frequent awakening, and in children – frequent upward nose rubbing. If you think that you or your children may have a dust mite allergy, your doctor can perform a skin or blood test to confirm your suspicions.
What to Do
The EPA advises various means of dust mite protection to ensure minimal dust mite exposure. Implementing a few simple preventative measures will greatly reduce the intensity and frequency of allergic reactions to dust mites.
There are two ways to kill dust mites. One is through heat treatments. Dust mites will die when exposed to high heat, a minimum at 122°F. This is a healthier option than using acaricides, pesticides formulated to kill dust mites.
Reducing dust mites by washing stuffed toys and all bedding frequently in hot water 130°F or hotter. Use zippered mattress and pillow covers that are dust proof and impermeable to allergens. Keep humidity levels low in the home, between 30-50%, and ensure proper ventilation. If humidity is a problem, de-humidifiers can help. Vacuum and mop weekly. When possible, reduce surfaces that may collect allergens, like upholstered furniture, carpets, rugs, and curtains, especially in bedrooms.
